break barriers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break barriers" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something or someone that is challenging the status quo or achieving something that was previously thought to be impossible. For example: "The team of scientists was determined to break barriers and make history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

1974 Cairo: 49 trampled to death as crowds break barriers.

The Guardian

She encouraged us to break barriers, to act on our desires.

The Guardian

Newer technologies, meanwhile – which many hope will break barriers – do not always help.

The Guardian

How texting helps one high school teacher break barriers and forge new bonds with families.

Harvard University

LOI, Vietnam — They had no plan to break barriers or cause trouble.

The New York Times

But Mr. Obama is not the first to try to break barriers.

The New York Times

She's trying to break barriers and become a singer in Spanish for people who don't speak Spanish".

The New York Times - Arts

The producer was referring to the opportunity in that decade to break barriers of class and to embrace opportunity.

The New York Times

Her father, a high school teacher for 40 years, had also always encouraged his daughter to break barriers.

The New York Times

PAGE 25 LEVEES BREAK, BARRIERS HOLD -- What the world saw exposed in New Orleans was not just broken levees, but a cleavage of race and class.

The New York Times

When Tergat and Gebrselassie, the two champions of that track generation, eventually moved up to the marathon, it was inevitably going to break barriers.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break barriers", consider the specific context. Ensure that it aligns with the intended meaning of overcoming challenges and creating new opportunities or possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "break barriers" in situations where the challenge is minor or easily surmountable. Reserve this phrase for scenarios that involve significant obstacles or systemic issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break barriers" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of overcoming significant obstacles or limitations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies challenging the status quo to achieve something previously deemed impossible. Examples illustrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break barriers" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe overcoming significant obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts. It functions to convey progress and social change, often inspiring action or celebrating achievements. The phrase is frequently used in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. Alternative phrases include "overcome obstacles" and "defy limitations". When using "break barriers", it is important to consider the context and avoid using it in situations where the challenge is minor. Its effectiveness lies in emphasizing the importance and difficulty of achieving progress in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome obstacles

Focuses on the act of successfully dealing with difficulties.

defy limitations

Emphasizes resisting constraints and boundaries.

transcend boundaries

Suggests rising above or going beyond established limits.

push the envelope

Implies exceeding current standards or norms, often in a creative or innovative way.

challenge conventions

Highlights questioning and opposing traditional practices.

shatter stereotypes

Specifically targets dismantling preconceived notions about groups of people.

redefine norms

Focuses on changing the accepted standards of behavior or achievement.

forge new paths

Suggests creating opportunities and progress where none previously existed.

revolutionize the status quo

Emphasizes a complete transformation of the existing state of affairs.

disrupt the industry

Focuses on transformative innovation within a specific sector.

FAQs

How can I use "break barriers" in a sentence?

You can use "break barriers" to describe actions that overcome obstacles, such as "The new law aims to "break barriers" to education for underprivileged children".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "break barriers"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "overcome obstacles", "defy limitations", or "transcend boundaries", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "breaking barriers" or "break barriers"?

Both forms are grammatically correct, but ""break barriers"" is often used as a general statement of intent or capability, while "breaking barriers" describes an ongoing process.

What is the difference between "break barriers" and "challenge conventions"?

"Break barriers" implies overcoming existing obstacles, while "challenge conventions" suggests questioning and potentially changing established norms and practices. The former is about removing impediments, the latter about questioning assumptions.